Learning about DOWFROST™ LC 25 Heat Transfer Fluid
Effective heat management is critical to continue high performance and extend the lifespan of components in data center technology. However, with the rise of AI and high-performance computing applications, traditional air cooling alone can no longer sustain the thermal management requirements, and the cost of operating air-cooling inside of datacom equipment cooling systems (DECS) is exceeding the cost of the equipment itself. The industry is now leaning towards liquid and hybrid cooling, such as direct-to-chip liquid cooling (DLC) and air-assisted liquid cooling (AALC) systems. DOWFROST™ LC 25 heat transfer fluid can be used in these systems to provide long-term anti-corrosion and freeze protection solutions. Dow has created an educational Engineering and Operating Guide about their DOWFROST™ LC Heat Transfer Fluids. This blog outlines essential information regarding the properties, preparations, and maintenance tests for incorporating DOWFROST™ LC 25 in liquid or hybrid cooling systems.
Properties
DOWFROST™ LC 25 heat transfer fluid is dyed fluorescent yellow for easy identification and is specifically formulated for liquid cooled, direct-to-chip applications. It comes ready to use and should not be diluted. Diluting the concentration below 25% puts the system at risk for bacterial contamination. This fluid has a biostatic formulation that prevents bacterial growth and system contamination.
DOWFROST™ LC 25 contains industrial strength corrosion inhibitors, pH stabilizers, buffers, and Dow PURAGUARD™ USP/EP grade propylene glycol, which is the highest purity in the industry. All are specifically formulated for operating in liquid-cooled, direct-to-chip DECS.
Design Considerations
DOWFROST™ LC 25 is designed for long-term corrosion protection of common materials in DECS, such as high copper surface area systems, solder, brass, mild steel, cast iron, and aluminum. It is recommended to verify compatibility with any components that are going to come into direct contact with the heat transfer fluid at both the minimum and maximum expected temperatures. This should be confirmed with the component material supplier or the original equipment manufacturers (OEM).
System Preparations
In certain applications, it is recommended to flush the pipes of your system to remove loose solids prior to the addition of the heat transfer fluid. Be sure to completely clean the system of any flushed water before adding DOWFROST™ LC 25. If there is any water left when adding the heat transfer fluid, it can become inadvertently over-diluted. This can cause bacterial contamination in the system. Along with an initial flush, there should be bypass filters to collect any solids or particles that form in the fluid.
Fluid Testing and Maintenance
Many testing resources are available to ensure fluid quality and performance, such as a representative sample, visual inspections, handheld refractometers, handheld pH meters, and reserve alkalinity (RA) tests. These tests ensure that the cooling system continues to operate at peak efficiency without extensive downtime. When it comes time for the DOWFROST™ LC 25 fluid to be replaced, it must be fully drained from the system and replaced with new material. That is the only way to remove the harmful impurities or degradation compounds that would cause issues in the system.
Safety Note from Dow
When considering the use of DOWFROST™ LC 25, you should review the latest Safety Data Sheets from Dow. For more detailed information, you can read the Engineering and Operating Guide here.
For packaging options, click here. To order DOWFROST™ LC 25 heat transfer fluid, call 270-765-2212 or email orders@LentusLLC.com.
